OLLI0197 - An Astronomy Grab Bag

Course Description

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

In this course, we will cover a diverse variety of astronomy topics. We'll start by addressing some of the most common misconceptions in astronomy, such as the cause of moon phases and why we experience seasons. Over two weeks, we will discuss how astronomers learn about the universe from the light received by telescopes as well as the process behind creating incredibly beautiful celestial images with modern digital detectors. We will also turn our attention to stars. One week will provide an overview of the life cycles of stars while another week will be devoted to the methods astronomers use to determine distances (one of the key bits of information astronomers initially need to fully understand the properties of a star). We will end the course with a little bit of history as we discuss the life and accomplishments of famed Nashville astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard. This course will be recorded.